Bearing brace apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to structural braces. More particularly,the present invention relates to a brace apparatus having a core memberand a buckling restraining assembly, the buckling restraining assemblyhaving one or more bearings located proximal the core member beingadapted to minimize friction between the core member and the bucklingrestraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core memberand the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus toprevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly.

2. The Relevant Technology

For decades steel frame structures have been a mainstay in theconstruction of everything from low-rise apartment buildings to enormousskyscrapers dominating modern city sky lines. The strength andversatility of steel is one reason for the lasting popularity of steelas a building material. In recent years, steel frame structures havebeen the focus of new innovation. Much of this innovation is directed tominimize the effects of earthquakes experienced in the locations wheresteel frame structures are used. Earthquakes provide a unique challengeto building construction due to the magnitude of the forces that can beexerted on the frame of the building. A variety of building techniqueshave been utilized to minimize the impact of seismic forces exerted onbuildings during an earthquake.

One mechanism that has been developed to minimize the impact of seismicforces is a structural brace that is adapted to absorb seismic energythrough plastic deformation. While the brace is adapted to absorb energyby plastic deformation, it is also configured to resist buckling. Whileseveral embodiments of these energy absorbing braces exist, one populardesign incorporates a steel core and a concrete filled bracing element.The steel core includes a yielding portion adapted to undergo plasticdeformation when subjected to seismic magnitude forces. Compressiveand/or tensile forces experienced during an earthquake are absorbed bycompression or elongation of the steel core. While the strength of thesteel core will drop as a result of buckling, the concrete filledbracing element provides the required rigidity to allow the structuralbrace to function. In short, the steel core is adapted to dissipateseismic energy while the concrete filled bracing element is adapted tomaintain the integrity of the structural brace when the steel core isdeformed. The use of energy absorbing braces allows a building to absorbthe seismic energy experienced during an earthquake. This permitsbuildings to be designed and manufactured with lighter, less massive,and less expensive structural members while maintaining the ability towithstand forces produced during an earthquake.

One difficulty in the design of the energy absorbing braces is that thesteel core must be allowed to move independently of the bracing element.To allow the steel core to move independently of the bracing element,the steel core is prevented from bonding with the bracing element duringmanufacture of the energy absorbing brace. By preventing the steel corefrom bonding to the bracing element, the steel core can absorb seismicenergy imparted by the ends of the structural brace without conveyingthe energy to the bracing element. For example, during an earthquake thesteel core is displaced relative to the bracing element as the steelcore undergoes compression and elongation.

One design that has been developed to prevent bonding of the steel coreand the bracing element utilizes an asphaltic rubber layer positionedbetween the steel core and the bracing element. The asphaltic rubberlayer is bonded to both the steel core and the bracing element. However,using an asphaltic rubber layer to prevent bonding of the steel core andthe bracing element results in difficulties as well. When seismic forcesare exerted on the brace, compression and elongation of the steel coreshears the asphaltic rubber layer. Deformation of the steel core andshearing of the substantially non-compressible asphaltic rubber layerresults in enormous pressure being exerted on the asphaltic rubberlayer. Additionally, the asphaltic rubber layer deteriorates after alimited number of compression and elongation cycles.

Yet another difficulty encountered relates to manufacturing of thebrace. Where the bracing element utilized in the energy absorbing bracecomprises a concrete filled tube, manufacturing the brace is complex.Concrete filled bracing elements are typically manufactured bypositioning the tube vertically, placing a steel core covered withasphaltic rubber inside the tube, and pouring concrete into the tube.This method of manufacturing concrete filled braces results incompression of the asphaltic rubber at one end of the element more thanthe other end of the element. Because the thickness of the asphalticrubber layer can play an important role in the performance of the energyabsorbing brace, complex manufacturing processes must be employed tomaintain adequate consistency in the thickness of the asphaltic rubberlayer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to brace apparatuses. More particularly,the present invention relates to a brace apparatus having a core memberand a buckling restraining assembly. The core member is adapted toabsorb energy by undergoing plastic deformation. The bucklingrestraining assembly maintains the structural integrity of the braceapparatus once the core member has undergone plastic deformation. Thebuckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings locatedproximal the core member and adapted to minimize friction between thecore member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap ispositioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of thebuckling restraining apparatus to prevent bonding between the coremember and the buckling restraining assembly. The use of an air gapminimizes the pressure exerted on the buckling restraining assemblyduring plastic deformation of the buckling restraining apparatus,allowing the core member to expand when the core member undergoesplastic deformation during a compression cycle.

According to one aspect of the present invention, one or moreprojections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus. Theprojections are adapted to be coupled to the cementious layer. In oneembodiment the projections are contiguous with the middle portion of thecore member and are configured to minimize movement of the middleportion of the core member relative to the portion of the bucklingrestraining assembly corresponding to the middle portion of the coremember.

According to another aspect of the present invention, lateral supportsare coupled to the core member of the brace apparatus. One or morereinforcement assemblies are provided that correspond with a portion ofthe lateral supports and the bearing members. The reinforcementassemblies provide additional support to the portions of the braceapparatus corresponding with the lateral supports. In one embodiment,the reinforcement assemblies are positioned between the cementious layerand the bearing members.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand features of the invention are obtained, a more particulardescription of the invention briefly described above will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in theappended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be consideredlimiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the braceapparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating one embodiment of the core member ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2B is a top schematic view illustrating lateral members separatedfrom the core member according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along cutting plane lines 3-3 ofFIG. 1, illustrating the juxtaposition of the core member and thebuckling restraining assembly according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along cutting plane lines 3-3 ofFIG. 1, illustrating the juxtaposition of the core member and thebuckling restraining assembly according to an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view illustrating the core member and lateralsupports according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating the juxtaposition of thebearing members to the core member and lateral supports according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a close-up view depicting the air gap between the bearingmembers and the core member according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the reinforcementassembly and its juxtaposition to the buckling restraining assembly,core member, and lateral supports according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6B is an end cross-sectional view illustrating the reinforcementassembly and its juxtaposition to the buckling restraining assembly,core member, and lateral supports according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment ofthe brace apparatus in which a lateral support extends the length of thecore member.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the juxtaposition of thecore member, lateral supports, buckling restraining assembly andreinforcement assembly according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to brace apparatuses. More particularly,the present invention relates to a brace apparatus having a core memberand a buckling restraining assembly, the buckling restraining assemblyhaving one or more bearings located proximal the core member beingadapted to minimize friction between the core member and the bucklingrestraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core memberand the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus toprevent bonding between the core member and the buckling restrainingassembly.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a braceapparatus 1 of the present invention. Brace apparatus 1 comprises a coremember 10, lateral supports 20 a,b, and a buckling restraining assembly30. Core member 10 is adapted to absorb seismic or other forces exertedon brace apparatus 1. Depending on the characteristics of core member10, such as size, width, length, construction, modulus of elasticity,etc., such forces will either be absorbed by the elastic qualities ofthe core or by plastic deformation of the core member. In the preferredembodiment, core member 10 is comprised of steel. In an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, core member 10 is comprised of anon-steel metal.

Lateral supports 20 a, b are attached to core member 10. Lateralsupports 20 a,b provide additional support to core member 10. In oneembodiment, lateral supports 20 a,b are adapted to provide additionalsupport primarily to the ends of the core member 10. In an alternativeembodiment, lateral supports 20 a,b are adapted to provide additionalsupport to most or all of the entire length of core member 10.

Buckling restraining assembly 30 is adapted to surround, and provideadditional support, to the middle portion of core member 10. Theadditional support provided by buckling restraining assembly 30 allowscore member 10 to absorb large amounts of force by plastic deformationwhile maintaining the structural integrity the brace apparatus 1.Because plastic deformation of a core member 10 can result in bucklingand substantial weakening of core member 10, the additional supportprovided by buckling restraining assembly 30 provides the support neededto maintain the structural integrity of the brace apparatus 1 under themagnitude of forces experienced during an earthquake, explosion, or thelike. A variety of types and configurations of buckling restrainingassembly 30 are possible without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe present invention. Illustrative embodiments of buckling restrainingassembly 30 will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 3-7.

FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating one embodiment of the core member 10of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the core member10 comprises a metal core support of uniform construction. The coremember comprises a core member first end 12, a core member second end14, and a core member middle portion 16. The core member first end 12 isconfigured to be wider than the core member middle portion 16, thusproviding additional rigidity to the core member first end 12 in thevertical direction. The z core member first end 12 includes holes 11a-d. Holes 11 a-d are adapted to provide a mechanism for coupling thebrace apparatus 1 to other structural members.

The core member second end 14 is also wider than the core member middleportion 16, thus providing additional rigidity to the core member secondend 14 in the vertical direction. The core member second end 14 alsoincludes holes 11 e-h. Holes 11 e-h are adapted to provide a mechanismfor coupling the brace apparatus 1 to other structural members. The coremember middle portion 16 is narrower than the core member first end 12and the core member second end 14. As previously mentioned, core member10 is adapted to absorb seismic or other forces exerted on the braceapparatus. The core member middle portion 16 is adapted to yield underearthquake magnitude loads. The narrow configuration of core membermiddle portion 16 renders the core member middle portion 16 moresusceptible to buckling under extreme forces. This permits core membermiddle portion 16 to absorb much of the seismic or other energy throughplastic deformation while maintaining the integrity of the core memberfirst and second ends 12, 14. The amount of energy that can be absorbedby the core member middle portion 16, and the amount of energy requiredto result in plastic deformation of the core member middle portion 16,will vary based on the attributes of the middle portion such as size,width, length, construction, modulus of elasticity, etc. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, the core member is not limitedto the embodiment of FIG. 2A, but can be of a variety of types andconfigurations.

FIG. 2B is a top view illustrating lateral supports 20 a-d separatedfrom core member 10 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Lateral supports 20 a-d are adapted to provide additionalsupport to the core member. In the illustrated embodiment, lateralsupports comprise a plurality of lateral supports including, firstlateral support 20 a, second lateral support 20 b, third lateral support20 c, and fourth lateral support 20 d.

Lateral supports 20 a-d provide additional support to the core memberfirst end 12 and the core member second end 14. By providing additionalsupport, the portions of the core member 10 corresponding with thelateral supports 20 a-d are less likely to buckle. By rendering someportions of the core member 10 less likely to buckle, portions of thecore member 10 not corresponding with the lateral supports 20 a-d aremore likely to undergo plastic deformation when a seismic magnitudeforce is exerted on brace apparatus 1. Because, the position of thelateral supports 20 a-d strengthens core member first and second ends12, 14, the core member middle portion 16 is more likely to buckle whenintense pressure is exerted on the brace apparatus 1.

The buckling of the core member middle portion 16, while weakening coremember 10, does not prevent brace apparatus 1 from carrying a loadbecause the core member middle portion 16 is supported by the bucklingrestraining assembly 30. The core member first and second ends 12, 14,while not benefiting from the support of the buckling restrainingassembly 30, nevertheless are prevented from buckling by lateralsupports 20 a-d. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, theability of the brace apparatus 1 to withstand a force is based on thecharacteristics of the brace and the magnitude of the force. Where theforce exerted on brace apparatus 1 is above the amount needed to deformcore member 10 and below the amount capable of resulting in the failureof brace apparatus 1, the core member will undergo plastic deformationwithout resulting in the failure of brace apparatus 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, lateral supports 20 a-d are adapted toprovide an attachment mechanism for coupling brace apparatus 1 to otherstructural members. A plurality of holes 21 a,b,c,d and 22 a,b,c,d areprovided to attach brace apparatus 1 to other structural members. Thefirst lateral support 20 a includes holes 21 a, 22 a. The second lateralsupport 20 b includes holes 21 b, 22 b. The third lateral support 20 cincludes holes 21 c, 22 c. The fourth lateral support 20 d includesholes 21 d, 22 d. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, avariety of attachment mechanisms can be utilized within the scope andspirit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating the juxtaposition of thecore member 10 and the buckling restraining assembly 30 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, coremember assembly 30 is adapted to surround core member 10 to prevent thebrace apparatus 1 from buckling when core member 10 undergoes plasticdeformation. In the illustrated embodiment, buckling restrainingassembly 30 comprises a support tube 40, a cementious layer 50, andbearing members 60 a, b. Support tube 40 comprises a square metal tubeexternal to the cementious layer 50. Support tube 40 provides strength,flexibility, and a mechanism for enclosing cementious layer 50 andbearing members 60 a,b. In one embodiment, metal tube 10 surrounds thecore member middle portion 10. Support tube 10 is one example of a metalsupport.

Cementious layer 50 is located internal to support tube 10. Cementiouslayer 50 provides rigidity to buckling restraining assembly 30.Cementious layer 50 is one example of a rigid layer. In one embodiment,cementious layer 50 has less elasticity than the core member 10.

Bearing members 60 a,b are positioned internal to cementious layer 50.Bearing members 60 a,b are adapted to limit the amount of frictioncaused by the movement of part or all of core member 10 relative to partor all of the buckling restraining assembly 30. The properties ofbearing members 60 a,b are adapted to provide a desired amount offriction limiting. In one embodiment, bearing members 60 a,b comprise afirst surface, a second surface and a body. The first surface is adaptedto be coupled to the cementious or concrete layer. The second surface isadapted to be positioned in close proximity to the core member. The bodycomprises the bulk of the bearing member. In the preferred embodiment,the body of the bearing member is comprised of ultra high molecularweight (UHMW) polyethylene. In an alternative embodiment, the body iscomprised of Teflon. In yet another embodiment, the body is comprised ofa material having low compressibility. Similarly, the first and secondsurfaces can be comprised of UHWM polyethylene, Teflon, or similarmaterials. In one embodiment, one or more of the bearing members areconfigured to provide a desired amount of friction limiting. In anotherembodiment, one or more bearing members are configured to circumscribecore member 10. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of bearingmembers are included in buckling restraining assembly 30. In yet anotherembodiment, the plurality of bearing members are internal to, andaffixed to, the rigid layer of the buckling restraining assembly.

A variety of configurations of buckling restraining assembly 30 can beutilized within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Forexample, in one embodiment, buckling restraining assembly 30 comprises ametal support positioned external to the core member. A cementious layeris coupled to the metal support such that the cementious layer surroundsthe core member. In one embodiment, the metal support does not surroundthe cementious layer but is contained in the cementious layer. Inanother embodiment, the metal tube comprises a metal cylindrical tubecircumscribing the cementious layer.

Air gaps 70 a,b are positioned between core member 10 and bucklingrestraining assembly 30. In the illustrated embodiment, bearing member60 a is positioned adjacent a first side of the core member 10. Bearingmember 60 b is positioned adjacent a second side of the core member 10.Air gap 70 a is positioned between bearing member 60 a and the firstside of core member 10, while air gap 70 b is positioned between bearingmember 60 b and the second side of core member 10. Air gaps 70 a,b areconfigured to minimize contact between the plurality of bearing membersand the core member when there is little or no load on the braceapparatus 1. Air gaps 70 a,b are also configured such that when the coremember is compressed and plastic deformation of the core member occurs,the core member 10 contacts one or both bearing members 70 a,b.

Air gaps 70 a,b are also adapted to prevent bonding of the core member10 to the buckling restraining assembly 30. By preventing bonding ofcore member 10 and buckling restraining assembly 30, core member 10 canmove freely with respect to buckling restraining assembly 30 when coremember 10 undergoes plastic deformation. For example, where braceapparatus 1 is adapted to absorb seismic forces, the compression andtension exerted on brace apparatus 1 can compress and elongate coremember 10. Air gaps 70 a,b are adapted to provide a void between coremember 10 and the bearing members of the buckling restraining assembly30 when the brace apparatus 1 is not supporting a load. Due to the factthat core member 10 is not bonded to buckling restraining assembly 30,when forces are exerted on brace apparatus 1, the forces are primarilyabsorbed by core member 10. In one embodiment, air gaps are configuredsuch that an air gap is positioned between the core member 10 and eachof the plurality of bearing members.

The configuration of bearings 60 a,b results in little or no frictionbeing generated between buckling restraining assembly 30 and core member10. When seismic, or other, forces are exerted on brace apparatus 1 coremember 10 is stretched and compressed. When the forces exceed a giventhreshold, the forces are absorbed by plastic deformation of core member10. In one embodiment, compressive deformation of core member 10 resultsin an expansion or thickening of the core member 10. This causes thecore member 10 to contact buckling restraining assembly 30. Bearingmembers 60 a,b of buckling restriction assembly limit the amount offriction caused by the compression and elongation of core member 10.Additionally, the configuration of bearing members 60 a, b permits thebrace apparatus 1 to undergo many cycles of compression and tensionwithout significantly deteriorating bearing members 60 a,b.

During the fabrication of brace apparatus 1 (as will be discussed inmore detail below), spacers 71 a-d are used to create air gaps 70 a,bbetween core 10 and bearing members 60 a,b. Spacers 71 a-d are adaptedto maintain the air gaps 70 a,b between the portions of the core membercorresponding to the plurality of bearing members of the bucklingrestraining assembly 30. Bearing members 60 a,b also include elongatedslots 72 a-d, which are formed along the entire length of the interiorsurface of bearing members 60 a,b and, which are adapted to receive aportion of each of the spacers 71 a-d. In one embodiment, elongatedslots 72 a-d are adapted to control the width of air gaps 70 a,b. Forexample, in one embodiment dthe width of air gaps 70 a-d varies alongthe length of core member 10. The depth of elongated slots 72 a-d ofbearing members 60 a,b is configured to provide variation in the widthof air gaps 70 a-d.

Brace apparatus 1 also includes end spacers 75 a,b and seals 74 a,b. Endspacers 75 a,b are located at the ends of core member 10. End spacers 75a,b are adapted to provide a desired displacement between core member 10and cementious layer 50. End spacers 75 a,b can be comprised of foamrubber, insulative materials, or any other materials providing thedesired spacing. Seals 74 a,b are located at and/or around bearingmembers 60 a,b and end spacers 75 a,b. Seals 74 a, b are adapted toprevent the cementious materials from entering air gaps 70 a,b. Seals 74a,b can comprise tape, silicone, or any other materials adapted toprevent the cementious materials from entering air gaps as is known toone skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view illustrating the juxtaposition of thecore member 10 and buckling restraining assembly 30 according to analternative embodiment of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, the buckling restraining assembly 30 comprises support tube40, cementious layer 50, and four bearing members 60 a,b,c,d. Bearingmember 60 a is positioned adjacent a first side of core member 10.Bearing member 60 b is positioned adjacent a second side of core member10. Bearing member 60 c is positioned between bearing member 60 a andthe cementious layer 50. Bearing member 60 d is positioned betweenbearing member 60 b and the cementious layer 50. In one embodiment,bearing members 60 c,d are adapted to be coupled to cementious layer 50.As previously discussed, bearing members 60 a-d are adapted to limit theamount of friction caused by movement of part or all of the core member10 relative to part or all of the buckling restraining assembly 30.

Air gap 70 a is positioned between bearing member 60 a and the firstside of core member 10. Air gap 70 b is positioned between bearingmember 60 b and the second side of core member 10. Yet another air gap70 c is positioned between bearing members 60 a and 60 c. While yetanother air gap 70 d is positioned between bearing members 60 b and 60d. Spacers 71 a-d comprise selectively removable rods positioned inelongated slots 72 a-d. Spacers 71 a-d are adapted to maintain air gaps70 a,b during manufacture of brace apparatus 1. Spacing members 77 a-fare positioned between bearing members 60 a and 60 c and between bearingmembers 60 b and 60 d. Spacing members 77 a-f are adapted to maintainthe spacing between adjacent bearing members 60 a and 60 c and 60 b and60 d. In the preferred embodiment, spacing members 77 a-f are comprisedof a compressible material. In one embodiment, spacing members 77 a-fare comprised of rubberized foam.

Air gaps 70 a-d, spacers 71 a-d, and spacing members 77 a-f are adaptedto allow for expansion or an increase in the thickness of core member 10due to plastic deformation caused by compression of core member 10. Inone embodiment, spacing members 77 a-f are configured such that whenlittle or no load is being held by brace apparatus 1, spacing members 77a-f experience little or no compression. By providing spacing members 77a-f that undergo little compression under normal circumstances, bearingmembers 60 a,c and bearing members 60 b,d operate as a single bearingmember when little or no load is placed on the bearing members 60 a-c.However, when forces are exerted on brace apparatus 1 such that coremember 10 undergoes plastic deformation, spacing members 77 a-f arecompressed, allowing the core member to expand or thicken while limitingthe amount of friction generated between core member 10 and bearings 60a,b.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view illustrating core member 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, coremember 10 includes a first end 12, a second end 14, a middle portion 16,and projections 18 a,b. Projections 18 a,b are adapted such thatcementious layer 50 surrounding the core member 10 contacts projections18 a,b. By contacting projections 18 a,b, core member 10 is preventedfrom sliding with relation to buckling restraining assembly 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, first and second projections 18 a,b arecontiguous with core member middle portion 16. By allowing projections18 a,b to contact with cementious layer 50, projection 18 a,b areadapted to minimize movement of the core member middle portion 16relative to the portion of buckling restraining assembly 30corresponding to core member middle portion 16. Projections 18 a,b arealso adapted to prevent buckling restraining assembly 30 from sliding inrelation core member 10 when little or no load is being supported bysupport brace 1.

In one embodiment of the present invention, projections 18 a,b and coremember first end, second end, and middle portions 12, 14, 16 are ofuniform construction. In an alternative embodiment, projections 18 a,bare rigidly coupled to one or more portions of core member 10. In theillustrated embodiment, projections 18 a,b are coupled to the top andbottom of core member middle portion 16. In an alternative embodiment,projections 18 a,b are coupled to the side of core member middle portion16. In one embodiment, projections 18 a,b are bonded to cementious layer50. In an alternative embodiment, projections 18 a,b are not bonded tothe cementious layer 50.

When a force is exerted on support brace 1 and core member 10 undergoesplastic deformation, the portions of core member 10 having projectionsare not displaced relative to buckling restraining assembly 30. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, where sufficient compressive andtensile forces are exerted on brace apparatus 1 such that core member 10is deformed, projections 18 a,b retain core member middle portion 16 ata consistent position relative to the middle portion of bucklingrestraining assembly 30. The bonding of projections 18 a,b andcementious layer 50 prevents lateral movement of the core member middleportion 16 relative to the portion of buckling restraining assembly 30corresponding to core member middle portion 16. This allows core member20 to be compressed and elongated such that the displacement between thecore member first and second ends 12, 14 and the core member middleportion 16 increases and decreases, while maintaining the relativeposition of the core member middle portion 16 to the bucklingrestraining assembly 30.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating the juxtaposition of thebearing members 60 a-d to core member 10 of FIG. 5A according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment,bearing members 60 a-d correspond with portions of core member 10 nothaving projections 18 a,b. As previously discussed, bearing members 60a-d are adapted to limit the amount of friction between bearing members60 a-d and core member 10. Bearing members 60 a-d are positionedinternal to and affixed to the cementious layer 50. Bearing members 60a-d terminate at core member middle portion 16 to allow cementious layer50 to contact the projections 18 a,b.

FIG. 5C is a close-up view depicting air gaps 70 a,b located betweenbearing members 60 a,b and core member 10 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of airgaps 70 a,b is between 1-50 thousandths of an inch. Because expansion ofthe core member 10 due to compression is typically in the range of lessthat 1/100^(th) of an inch, air gaps 70 a,b having a width of less thanone-hundredth of an inch are sufficient to accommodate expansion of coremember 10 under typical situations. Providing air gaps 70 a,b having anarrow width allows for expansion of core member 10 while limiting thelateral displacement core member 10. Because lateral displacement ofcore member 10 can result in a potential weakening of brace apparatus 1,limiting the width of air gaps 70 a,b reduces the potential for suchweakening.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating reinforcement assembly 78and its juxtaposition to the buckling restraining assembly 30, coremember 10, and lateral supports 20 a,c according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, lateral supports20 a,c are coupled to core member 10. Lateral supports 20 a,c arelocated at, and provide additional support to, the core member first end12. The portions of lateral support 20 a,c positioned nearest the coremember middle portion 16 are surrounded by the buckling restrainingassembly 30. By surrounding portions of lateral supports 20 a,c withbuckling restraining assembly 30, additional support is provided to thecore member first end 12, preventing buckling of the core member firstend 12. Bearing members 60 c,d of buckling restraining assembly 30 areadapted to limit friction between the buckling restraining assembly 30and core member 10. Bearing members 60 e,f are also positioned adjacentlateral supports 20 a,c. Bearing members 60 e,f are adapted to limitfriction between the buckling restraining assembly 30 and lateralsupports 20 a,c.

Brace apparatus 1 also includes a reinforcement assembly 78.Reinforcement assembly 78 is adapted to enclose: 1) the portion oflateral supports 20 a,c corresponding with buckling restraining assembly30; 2) the portion of the bearing members 60 c-f corresponding with theportion of lateral supports 20 a,c; and 3) the portion of the coremember 10 corresponding with the portion of lateral supports 20 a,c andthe buckling restraining assembly 30. In additional to providingstrength to core member first end 12, reinforcement assembly 78 preventscementious layer 50 from infiltrating the air gaps between core member10 and bearing members 60 c-f. The reinforcement assembly 78 ispositioned between the bearing members 60 c-f and the cementious layer50 at the portion of buckling restraining assembly 30 corresponding withportion of lateral supports 20 a,c.

In the illustrated embodiment, reinforcement assembly 78 extends beyondlateral supports 20 a,c in the direction of the core member middleportion 16. The portions of reinforcement assembly 78 extending beyondlateral supports 20 a,c form void 90. Void 90 is adapted to permit endportions of lateral supports 20 a,c unimpededly to move relative to thebuckling restraining assembly 30 in the direction of core member middleportion 16 when core member 10 is compressed.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view (see cross section 6B of FIG. 6A)illustrating reinforcement assembly 78 and its juxtaposition to thebuckling restraining assembly 30, core member 10, and lateral supports20 a,c according to one embodiment of the present invention.Reinforcement assembly 78 is located internally to, and in contact with,cementious layer 50. Reinforcement assembly 78 is adapted to enclose: 1)the portion of lateral supports 20 a,c corresponding with bucklingrestraining assembly 30; 2) a portion of the bearing members 60 e-h; and3) the portion of the core member 10 corresponding with the portion oflateral supports 20 a,c and buckling restraining assembly 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, reinforcement assembly 78 comprises anglemembers 80 a-d and end cap members 80 e-h. The configuration of theangle members 80 a-d of the present embodiment results in cavities 82a-d. In, an alternative embodiment, angle members 80 a-d are configuredsuch that the end cap members touch the ends of core member 10 andlateral supports 20 a, b. As will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, reinforcement assembly 78 can have a variety of elements arrangedin any of a variety of configurations without departing from the scopeor spirit of the present invention. For example, reinforcement assemblycan be of a single uniform construction, rather than being comprised ofa plurality of members.

In the illustrated embodiment, six bearing members 60 c-h are enclosedin reinforcement assembly 78. Bearing member 60 c is positioned adjacenta first side of core member 10. Bearing member 60 d is positionedadjacent a second side of core member 10. Bearing members 60 ecorresponds with a first side of lateral support 20 a. Bearing member 60h corresponds with a second side of lateral support 20 a. Bearing member60 f corresponds with a first side of lateral support 20 c. Bearingmember 60 g corresponds with a second side of lateral support 20 c. Airgaps 70 a and 70 b are positioned between bearing members 60 c, 60 d andcore member 10. Spacers 71 a-d are provided to maintain the air gapduring manufacture of the brace apparatus 1. In the preferredembodiment, the width of air gaps 70 a,b at the reinforcement assemblyis less than the width of air gaps 70 a,b closer to core member middleportion 16. By providing air gaps 70 a,b having a more narrow width atthe portions of the core member 10 corresponding with the reinforcementassemblies than at the core member middle portion 16, less axialmovement of the core member 10 is permitted, reducing the likelihood ofcore member buckling at these positions.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment ofthe brace apparatus 1 in which lateral support 20 a extend the length ofthe core member 10. Lateral support members 20 a,c are coupled to coremember 10 and are adapted to provide additional support to core member10. Because lateral supports 20 a,b extend the entire length of coremember 10, they provide lateral support for most, or all, of the lengthof core member 10. Brace apparatus 1 having lateral supports 20 a,brunning the length of the core member can be employed where the size ofthe brace apparatus 1, or the magnitude of the forces to be absorbed,require additional rigidity for the entire length of the core member 10.

This embodiment also includes first and second reinforcement assemblies78 a,d. First and second reinforcement assemblies 78 a,d are adapted toenclose a plurality of bearing members 60 a-d, a portion of the lateralsupport members 20 a,b, and a portion of core member 10. Thereinforcement assemblies 78 a, d are adapted to be positioned betweenbearing members 60 a-d and the cementious layer 50 of the bucklingrestraining assembly 30. It can be seen that first and secondreinforcement assemblies 78 a-d do not extend for the entire length oflateral supports 20 a,b. This is due to the fact that the projections 18a,b of core member 10 are adapted to be in contact with cementious layer50. Reinforcement assembly 78 a corresponds with the plurality ofbearing members between the middle portion of brace apparatus 1 and thefirst end of brace apparatus 1. Reinforcement assembly 78 b correspondswith the plurality of bearing members between the middle portion ofbrace apparatus 1 and the second end of brace apparatus 1.

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view illustrating the juxtaposition of coremember 10, lateral supports 20 a,b, buckling restraining assembly 30,and reinforcement assembly 78 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment, eight bearing members 60 a-h are utilizedfor each end of the buckling restriction assembly 30. Four bearingmembers 60 a-c are utilized for the cross member 10, two bearing members60 e,f are utilized for lateral support 20 a, and two bearing members 60g,h are utilized for lateral supports 20 b. In the illustratedembodiment, air gaps 70 a-h are positioned between bearing members 60a-h and both cross member 10 and lateral supports 20 a,b. Spacers 71 a-oare utilized to maintain the air gaps 70 a-h during manufacture of braceapparatus 1. A greater number of spacers 71 a-o are utilized in theillustrated embodiment than the embodiment of FIG. 6B due to theincreased number and configuration of bearing members 60 a-h.

One presently preferred method of manufacturing brace apparatus 1 willnow be described in relation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3.First, core member 10 and lateral supports 20 a-d are fabricated in theforms shown in FIG. 2 according to known methods. Next, lateral supports20 a,c are welded to core member first end 12, and lateral supports 20b,d are welded to the core member second end 14. Next, spacers 71 a-dare positioned within elongated slots 72 a-d of bearing members 60 a, b,and bearing members 60 a, b are positioned adjacent opposing sides ofthe core member middle portion 16, with spacers 71 a-d being interposedbetween bearing members 60 a,b and core 10. End spacers 75 a,b are thenpositioned adjacent the remaining two sides of the middle portion 10 ofcore 10, and seals 74 a,b are affixed to the outer surfaces of bearingmembers 60 a,b and end spacers 75 a,b as illustrated in FIG. 3. The coremember 10 is then inserted through and positioned within steel tube 40such that core member first and second ends 12 and 14 extend out theopposing ends of steel tube 40. Cement is then introduced into spacebetween the core assembly and steel tube 40 and allowed to harden toform cementious layer 50. Once the cementitious layer 50 has hardened toa predetermined state, spacers 71 a-d are removed from bucklingrestraining assembly 30 by withdrawing them from elongated slots 72 a-d.

Seal 74 is provided to maintain the position of the spacers between thecore member 10 and the bearing members 60 a-n. The seal 74, bearingmembers 60 a-n, core member 10, and spacers 71 a-n are then insertedinto and positioned within to support tube 40. The cementious layer 50is then positioned between the support tube 40 and the seal 74, bearingmembers 60 a-n, etc.

In one embodiment, cementious material is poured into the support tubein a liquid or semi-liquid state around the seal 74, bearing members 60a-n, core member 10, and spacers 71 a-n to form cementious layer 50. Theseal 74 is adapted to prevent the cementious material from entering theone or more air gaps 70. Spacers 71 a-n are adapted to maintain the oneor more air gaps 70 while the cementious layer 50 solidifies. Once thecementious layer 50 is solidified spacers 71 a-n are removed. In oneembodiment spacers 71 a-n comprise metal rods. In an alternativeembodiment spacers 71 a-n comprise fiberglass or plastic shafts.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1-62. (canceled)
 63. A brace apparatus comprising: a core member havinga first end, a second end, a middle portion and an exterior surface; oneor more lateral supports adapted to provide additional support to one orboth of the first end and second end of the core member; a bucklingrestraining assembly surrounding at least the middle portion of the coremember, the buckling restraining assembly comprising: a metal supportpositioned external to the core member, and a rigid layer coupled to themetal support and surrounding the core member and surrounding a portionof the one or more lateral supports, wherein the one or more lateralsupports is spaced from the buckling restraining assembly.
 64. The braceapparatus of claim 63, wherein the one or more lateral supports ispartially housed within a reinforcement assembly.
 65. The braceapparatus of claim 64, wherein the reinforcement assembly is locatedwithin one or both of a first end and a second end of the bucklingrestraining assembly.
 66. The brace apparatus of claim 65, wherein theone or more lateral supports is positioned within the reinforcementassembly so as to provide rotation of the one or more lateral supportswith relation to the buckling restraining assembly.
 67. The braceapparatus of claim 66, wherein the reinforcement assembly furthercomprises an outer surface wherein the outer surface is containedentirely within and bonded to the rigid layer of the bucklingrestraining assembly.
 68. A brace apparatus comprising: a core memberhaving a first end, a second end, a middle portion and an exteriorsurface; one or more lateral supports adapted to provide additionalsupport to one or both of the first end and second end of the coremember; a buckling restraining assembly surrounding at least the middleportion of the core member, the buckling restraining assemblycomprising: a metal support positioned external to the core member, anda rigid layer coupled to the metal support and surrounding the coremember and surrounding a portion of the one or more lateral supports,wherein the one or more lateral supports is partially housed within areinforcement assembly.
 69. The brace apparatus of claim 68, wherein theone or more lateral supports provide support to the first and second endof the core member.
 70. The brace apparatus of claim 69, wherein the oneor more lateral supports is positioned within the reinforcement assemblyso as to provide rotation of the one or more lateral supports withrelation to the buckling restraining assembly.
 71. The brace apparatusof claim 68, wherein the partially housed end of the one or more lateralsupports is beveled such that a void is created between the partiallyhoused end of the one or more lateral supports and the inner surface ofthe reinforcement assembly.
 72. The brace apparatus of claim 71, whereinthe void permits the one or more lateral supports to rotate relative tothe core member while minimizing contact between the one or more lateralsupports and the cavity of the reinforcement assembly.
 73. The braceapparatus of claim 71, wherein the walls and base of the cavity areconfigured such that the void is generally triangular.
 74. The braceapparatus of claim 73, wherein the inner width of the triangular void isuniform and configured such that the inner width of the triangular voidis greater than the exterior width of the one or more lateral supports.75. The brace apparatus of claim 68, wherein an air gap is presentbetween the exterior surface of the one or more lateral supports and theinner surface of the reinforcement assembly.
 76. A brace apparatuscomprising: a core member having a first end, a second end, a middleportion and an exterior surface; a reinforcement assembly adapted topartially house one or more lateral supports thereby providingadditional strength to the lateral supports; a buckling restrainingassembly surrounding at least the middle portion of the core member, thebuckling restraining assembly comprising: a metal support positionedexternal to the core member, and a rigid layer coupled to the metalsupport and surrounding the core member and surrounding a portion of theone or more lateral supports, wherein a reinforcement assembly isinserted into one or both of the first end and second end of thebuckling restraining assembly wherein the one or more lateral supportsis positioned within the reinforcement assembly so as to providerotation of the one or more lateral supports with relation to thebuckling restraining assembly.